What is a chief resilience officer – and what are they doing in Mexico City?

This week's 100 Resilient Cities summit in the Mexican capital offers a chance for global experts to develop the tools they need to make their cities stronger

Depending on how you count them, there are about 10,000 cities around the world, housing more than 50% of the world's population. By all estimates, that number is only increasing and by 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas. Our cities face an ever-expanding range and severity of challenges - from increasing climate-related hazards to additional stresses on infrastructure, society and the economy.

With so many risks - both known and unknown - how can cities become more resilient to the social, economic and physical challenges of the 21st century? And how can cities utilise these perceived challenges as means to better plan and create thriving cities, resilient to the potential shocks and stresses that will accompany such stark changes?